Qantas Acquires Remaining Stake in TripADeal
Summary
- Qantas will acquire the remaining 49% of TripADeal for $211 million.
- The acquisition aims to expand Qantas Loyalty's reach in the $13 billion online holiday packages market.
- Qantas expects to achieve at least $50 million annually in combined cost and revenue synergies across the Group over time.
- TripADeal's bookings have surpassed $450 million in the last twelve months, doubling pre-COVID levels.
- Matt Wolfenden will become the new CEO of TripADeal, leading a team of 150 based in Byron Bay and tour guides in 30 countries.
- Qantas Loyalty maintains its $800 million $1 billion target for 2030.
- Qantas Loyalty expects to deliver Underlying EBIT in FY24 of $500 $525 million before returning to growth of at least 10 per cent in Underlying EBIT in FY25.
- The acquisition cost of $211 million will be captured within existing Qantas Group capex guidance of $3 $3.2 billion for FY24.
Sentiment
Score: 8
Explanation: The document conveys a positive outlook with the acquisition expected to drive synergies and growth for Qantas Loyalty. The financial targets are maintained, and management expresses confidence in the investment.
Positives
- The acquisition is expected to generate at least $50 million annually in combined cost and revenue synergies.
- TripADeal's bookings have exceeded $450 million in the last 12 months, doubling pre-COVID levels.
- Qantas Loyalty aims for $800 million $1 billion target for 2030.
- Qantas Loyalty expects Underlying EBIT in FY24 of $500 $525 million, with a projected growth of at least 10% in FY25.
- The acquisition will create a more tailored and integrated experience for Qantas Frequent Flyers.
Risks
- Achieving the projected $50 million in annual synergies may face integration challenges.
- Maintaining TripADeal's growth trajectory under new leadership requires effective management.
- Economic downturns could impact demand for holiday packages, affecting revenue.
Future Outlook
Qantas expects the acquisition to deliver a strong result for shareholders with returns exceeding the Qantas Group's internal hurdles, and Qantas Loyalty continues to target $800 million $1 billion for 2030.
Management Comments
- Qantas Loyalty CEO Andrew Glance said: TripADeal has been building on-trend and well-priced holiday offering and realise further synergies, this deal is great news for our customers and the Loyalty business more broadly.
- TripADeal Co-Founders Norm Black and Richard Johnston said: As founders of a home-grown business that has made it easier for millions of Australians to take amazing holidays at the click of a button, this is a proud moment for us.
- TripADeal Co-Founders Norm Black and Richard Johnston said: We have worked hard to build and grow TripADeal from the ground up and know Qantas will take it into a new era of success.
Industry Context
The acquisition reflects a broader trend in the travel industry where airlines are expanding into adjacent businesses like holiday packages to diversify revenue streams and enhance customer loyalty. Competitors like Air New Zealand and Singapore Airlines also offer packaged holidays.
Comparison to Industry Standards
- Other airlines such as Air New Zealand and Singapore Airlines also offer packaged holidays, but Qantas's acquisition of TripADeal gives them a more integrated and controlled platform.
- The projected $50 million in annual synergies is a significant target, comparable to synergy targets in other airline acquisitions, but the actual realization will depend on effective integration.
Stakeholder Impact
- Shareholders can expect strong returns from the investment.
- Employees of TripADeal will be led by a new CEO, Matt Wolfenden.
- Customers will benefit from a more tailored and integrated experience for Qantas Frequent Flyers.
- Suppliers and travel partners will continue to work with TripADeal as an independent business.
Next Steps
- Complete the acquisition of TripADeal by the end of June 2024.
- Integrate TripADeal into the Qantas Loyalty program to realize synergies.
- Focus on member engagement, earn and redemption strategies, and key program partners to drive loyalty growth.
Key Dates
- 2022: Qantas acquired a majority stake in TripADeal.
- Thursday 13 June 2024: Qantas announced it will purchase the remaining 49 per cent of Byron Bay born online travel business TripADeal.
- End of June 2024: Expected completion of the acquisition transaction.
- July 2024: Qantas members will receive a 30 per cent discount on bookings made with points.
- FY24: Qantas Loyalty expects to deliver Underlying EBIT of $500 $525 million.
- FY25: Qantas Loyalty expects to return to growth of at least 10 per cent in Underlying EBIT.
- 2030: Qantas Loyalty retains its $800 million $1 billion target.
Keywords
Filings with Classifications
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